My Immigrant Mom: A Daughter's American Story

Teresa Magistro shares the remarkable immigrant story of her mother, Antonetta Vincatorio Lombardi—a woman who crossed from poverty in Italy to build a life and raise a family in America. Their conversation explores Italian American history, family traditions, and the stories that can disappear if no one writes them down. At 81, Teresa published her first book, Antonetta: An Immigrant's Story, after years of telling her mother’s stories to her grandchildren. She reflects on the experiences that shaped Antonetta’s values: arriving in the United States without knowing English, discovering everyday comforts like running water, and insisting that her children value education, hard work, and independence. The episode also reveals Antonetta’s unexpected six-second moment of fame in a 1964 Rheingold beer commercial, her evolving views on women’s roles, and her open, faith-centered approach to death and remembrance. Key Topics [00:01:17] - Teresa’s path from teaching to writing her first book [00:09:11] - Why family stories need to be written down [00:15:16] - Antonetta’s childhood in Italy and journey to America [00:18:03] - Starting over without English—and appreciating life’s everyday comforts [00:23:40] - Immigration, education, hard work, and family values [00:27:00] - Antonetta’s changing views on women’s independence [00:29:21] - The story behind Antonetta’s Rheingold beer commercial appearance [00:37:04] - Family, faith, and Antonetta’s perspective on death [00:44:00] - Where to find Teresa’s book and what she may write next Relevant Links Find Antoinette: An Immigrant Story on Amazon Casa Belvedere, the Italian Cultural Foundation The City College of New York Teresa’s conversation is a warm reminder that immigrant stories are also family histories—and that preserving them can help future generations understand the sacrifices, hopes, and values that shaped their lives. Antonetta’s story offers a personal glimpse into the contributions of Italian immigrants and the many ways a family’s legacy lives on.